This website uses cookies to improve your experience on this site. Some of the cookies we use are essential for parts of the site to operate. To find out more about the cookies we use and how to delete them, see our Terms of use. I accept cookies from this site.

New study shows that detergent manufacturers use enzymes safely and effectively due to strict industry guidelines

August 11th, 2015 – Detergent manufacturers demonstrate that by following industry guidelines on properly handling enzymes in factories, they "can deliver a safe working environment" and help ensure hygiene, according to newly published research.

A study published by peer-reviewed Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene examined procedures put in place at approximately 100 manufacturing facilities around the world where enzymes are used to help formulate detergent products. The research paper, "Managing the Risk of Occupational Allergy in the Enzyme Detergent Industry," is available here.

Wanting to see if those manufacturing facilities that properly implemented the recommended industry safety guidelines were successful in managing the respiratory allergenic risks associated with enzymes, A.I.S.E. and the American Cleaning Institute (ACI) undertook a review of five years’ worth of air monitoring and health surveillance data from industrial facilities producing enzyme-containing detergents and that followed these guidelines.

"Our review found that by employing strict guidelines, coupled with regular checks of workers health and safety, worker exposures to enzymes can be reduced and the risks associated with the use of enzymes in detergent factories can be effectively managed," said Dr. Sylvie Lemoine, Director of Technical and Regulatory Affairs at A.I.S.E.

Controlling exposure to enzymes during the production process is a necessity. In response enzyme and detergent makers implemented successful product stewardship programmes and released technical guidance to promote the safe use of enzymes in the workplace, using both science-based risk assessment and risk management practices.